James Maltby

James D. Maltby, 93, of West Des Moines died Nov. 27, 2024.

Jim lived a long, rich life. He was born Jan. 5, 1931, in Marshalltown, the son of Lois (Kelso) and Lauren Maltby. After moving to Eldora, he was an avid music enthusiast and student, and enrolled as a music major at Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI). There, he mastered the clarinet and saxophone.

He and several students “went underground” to play a form of music generally disdained by the college music faculty. It was called “jazz.” These students would go on to informally create a big band that was the genesis of the UNI Jazz Studies program, one of the most respected in the country. Jim’s love of music stayed with him and his family throughout his life. After marrying his college sweetheart, Doris Long, in 1955, they moved to New York to manage the big band of his cousin, Richard Maltby. Throughout his kids’ formative years, Jim would bring home albums he bought at record stores on the way home from work, introducing them to Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, Elton John and Switched-On Bach.

After a stint in the U.S. Air Force Band in Omaha during the Korean War, Jim went back to Eldora to help run his father’s welding and metal shop after his father’s death. He graduated from ISTC and became a band director, teaching at several small-town Iowa school districts.

Jim sought a career change shortly before the birth of twin sons and joined State Farm Insurance as an agent in Fairfield, Iowa. The family moved to Indianola, IA, in 1971. Jim continued with State Farm in Des Moines, where he completed an award-winning 40-year career in insurance. His and Doris’ life in Indianola was especially fun with the terrific neighbors on Scott Felton Road and their kids who all grew up together and formed a social bond that lasted decades. Neighborhood Christmas get-togethers and golf outings at Okoboji created many wonderful memories.  

After retirement, he and his wife Doris enjoyed occasional travel and the arrival of grandchildren.

Jim and Doris eventually moved to The Lodge Of Ashworth in West Des Moines. Doris passed away shortly after moving to the Lodge. Still, Jim enjoyed many years there with a wonderful community of friends who will miss him dearly. During those years he played clarinet in The Des Moines Community Band and the Iowa Military Veterans Band.

Jim is survived by his children, Sara Opie (Doug), Kent (Mary) and Craig (Jan), six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, parents Lois and Lauren, sister Linda Gillies and brother Dickie.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

The family requests any donations be made online to the Iowa Military Veterans Band iowaveteransmilitaryband.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Maltby family.